It’s been 42 years since Armored Saint came together and then shortly thereafter released their self-titled EP on Metal Blade Records just a year later. If you’re looking for a classic heavy metal band with pretty much all of their original members intact, look no further than Armored Saint. At present, the group includes founding members John Bush (vocals), Phil Sandoval (guitars), Joey Vera (bass), Gonzo Sandoval (drums), and mainstay Jeff Duncan (guitars).
Photo credit to Travis Shinn
Their tour technically started with the sold out Monsters Of Rock Cruise at the beginning of March, but the rest of the shows on land start on March 27th in Anaheim including multiple Armored Saint headlining shows during their days off on the Queensrÿche run.
For those not paying attention, the band has been writing a new album as the follow-up to their fabulous ‘Punching The Sky’ record released back in October 2020. A hit on several different radio charts, the album showcases a band whose formula never gets tired, dated, nor derivative. Highlights include the album opener, “Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants,” “Lone Wolf,”, and the highly infectious “End Of The Attention Span.”
For those who’ve been following the band since the early 80’s, it comes as no surprise that the Sandoval brothers are playing in fine form while anchored by bassist Joey Vera (who also recently exited Mercyful Fate). Singer John Bush hasn’t lost a step either as evidenced on songs like fan favorites “Unfair” and “Never You Fret,” both of which feature some killer fretwork by Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval.
Said vocalist John Bush about the upcoming tour, “We are happy to announce that we will be hitting the road again in March 2024 to team up with our good friends and one amazing band, the mighty Queensrÿche! The tour hits lots of cities we haven’t played in a while including dates in Canada! Come on out and watch two classic metal bands bring the house down every night!”
Armored Saint, Queensrÿche and Strike Force play Ace Of Spades located at 1417 R Street in downtown Sacramento. Tickets are $53 advance can be purchased here at aceofspades.com. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. All ages are welcome.
(Capital Chaos TV)